Tykes struggle in the storm
On a wet and windswept afternoon, challenging conditions contributed to a messy, stop-start match that tested the handling skills of both sides. The Tykes opened the scoring with an early try from Will Yates, set up by a powerful break by Kieran Davies. Eddie Crossland’s conversion attempt struck the post.
Sedgley responded through a line-out drive from a penalty, when Connor James powered over in the corner. Oliver Grasse added the conversion. The away side then struck again with a precision cross-field kick to winger Rhys Henderson.
Leeds struggled with accuracy at the set-piece, losing several line-outs in key attacking positions, while poor decision making, penalties and handling errors continually halted their momentum. An example of a wrong option taken was taking a quick tap penalty when two players were down.
Their task was made harder when Louis Guthrie shown a yellow for deliberately killing the ball, forcing the home side to defend with 14 men during a crucial spell. Sedgley capitalised on Leeds’ indiscipline, with Grasse adding a penalty to extend their lead to 5-20 at half-time, giving them a comfortable cushion.
The second half was dominated by further heavy rain, slowing the pace of the game significantly. Leeds enjoyed periods of possession deep in Sedgley territory but were repeatedly turned over or penalised. Despite their territory advantage and determined defensive effort, the opposition’s committed defence meant Leeds were unable to breach the line again.
Crossland scored a late penalty and his side enjoyed much possession and territory but ultimately failed to add to their points tally.
After the match, Director of Rugby, Pete Seabourne, said: “Frustrating day. We didn’t play the conditions as well as we could have done in the first half. We need to work more on our attacking play. Defensively we were OK at times. The set piece – there’s a lot to work on.
“We are heading in the right direction, although it was frustating today. We’ll get there.”
Head Coach, Pete Lucock added: “It was a really tough loss. We should’ve done better with the possession we had. Discipline and error count-wise, you can’t do that in National 1 and expect anything from the game. We’ve had some honest conversations and we’re ready to put it right. I’m sure a win will come sooner rather later.
Our Player of the Match,sponsored by Horsforth Brewery, was Toby Williams.
Toby is available to sponsor. Find out all about our Player Sponsorship package.
